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artefill

Artefill is the first FDA-approved "permanent" filler. Typically used for deep facial folds, Artefill will last indefinitely.

Patients who have used fillers previously are candidates for Artefill. Because of the potential lifetime permanency, it is not usually recommended for first time filler patients. Dr. Sikorski has many patients who have opted for Artefill for the nasolabial folds and have been very pleased with the results and longevity.

What is in Artefill?

Artefill is made up of microscopic beads suspended in a collagen gel. The collagen acts both as a carrier and an instant filler. The beads, made of PMMA, are not broken down by the body and remain in the skin. It is this unique quality that makes Artefill so different from every other filler. Artefill Photos

What is PMMA and is it safe?

PMMA, polymethylmethacrylate, has been used for many years in orthopedic surgery. It is biologically inert, so there is almost no chance of allergic response. The carrier vehicle, bovine collagen, is the component which necessitates a pre-injection test several weeks prior to full use. About 3% of the population has potential bovine collagen sensitivity.

How does Artefill work and how long does it last?

PMMA implantation is considered permanent. Within the first 1 to 3 months after treatment with Artefill®, the bovine collagen vehicle degrades and is replaced with the body's own new collagen tissue. This binds to and encapsulates the PMMA microspheres into place thus preventing migration. The full effect of the augmentation may not be seen until this process is complete.

Can Artefill be used for the lips?

No. Lip augmentation can be accomplished with any of the hyaluronic acids or Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast collagens. Because the lip muscles are so highly active, there is the chance the microspheres could shift, resulting in permanent lumps or bumps.

Contact Us for More Information

Sometimes understanding the fine points of the various fillers can be a little confusing. If you'd like to speak with our experienced staff, call the office or request a call back through our online callback form. We're happy to explain how each filler works and their unique advantages or limitations.

Visit the Artefill Website

Artefill FAQ's

Q: What is Artefill?

A: Artefill is the long lasting solution for wrinkle correction. Artefill consists of a combination of microsphere enhanced collagen and lidocaine for comfort.

Q: How does Artefill work?

A: The collagen gel acts as a carrier for the microspheres in Artefill. Gradually, your body absorbs the collagen while the microspheres remain to provide a long lasting support structure below the wrinkle to sustain wrinkle correction.

Q: Is Artefill safe?

A: Yes. Artefill has proven to be a safe and effective dermal filler for the correction of wrinkles and was approved by the U.S. FDA in October 2006.  In clinical testing, Artefill was as safe as the control temporary filler.

Since the launch of Artefill in 2007, thousands of patients have been safely treated with Artefill and there have been no product recalls and no reported medical device events.

Q: How does Artefill differ from temporary fillers?

A: Temporary dermal fillers are made of different kinds of natural or synthetic materials that are completely absorbed by the body over time and as a result, wrinkle correction usually lasts for only 3-9 months.

The microsphere enhanced collagen in Artefill remains intact at the treatment site and provides structural support to keep your wrinkle from returning.

Q: Can anyone have Artefill treatments?

A: No. Some people are not good candidates for Artefill.

Artefill is contraindicated in those who:

• have a positive reaction to the Artefill skin test
• have a history of severe allergies and hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis)
• are allergic to the anesthetic (lidocaine) in Artefill
• have a history of allergies to any collagen products
• are prone to thick scarring (hypertrophic) formation and/or excessive scarring (keloid)
• are undergoing or planning to undergo desensitization injections to meat products

Q: Are there any other treatment concerns with Artefill?

A: Yes. If you have any skin outbreaks (e.g. cysts, pimples, rashes, hives, infection) near the injection site, you should postpone treatment until they clear. If you are taking aspirin (NSAIDs) or anti-inflammatory drugs or have any medical condition that affects your blood, you may experience increased bruising or bleeding at the injection sites.

In addition, you should inform us if:

• you have had any treatments for smile lines in the last 6 months
• you are receiving UV light therapy
• you are currently on immunosuppressive therapy (medication commonly prescribed for those who have undergone an organ transplant, or are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer)

Q: Are there any further precautions with Artefill?

A: Yes, you should know:

• Artefill contains microspheres that help provide the support for wrinkle correction- the microspheres can only be surgically removed

• The safety of Artefill in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals under 18, has not been established

As with any injectable filler, there is always a risk of infection.

Q: Are there any possible side effects with Artefill?

A: As with any injectable wrinkle filler, you can expect mild swelling and reddening at the treatment site. These side effects are usually gone within 24 hours. Occasionally, there is mild bruising that typically disappears in three to seven days. Less common side effects include rash and itching more than 48 hours after treatment, persistent swelling or redness, and increased sensitivity at some or all injection sites. Two other rare potential side effects of all dermal fillers may be lumps and granulomas, both of which can be treated by your physician.

Q: When will I see results with Artefill and how long will the results last?

A: You will see results immediately. In the U.S. clinical study, full wrinkle correction was maintained for up to one year.

Q: Is one treatment enough to get the look I want?

A: Most people get the results they want with one or two treatments, depending on the depth of their wrinkles and folds. When you have your follow-up appointment in four to six weeks, you can decide if you would like to further enhance your results.

Q: How will my face feel following treatment?

A: With proper placement, Artefill may not be felt after treatment. You will see the results immediately and be able to return to your normal daily activities.

Q: How will I look as my skin ages after treatment with Artefill?

A: Studies have shown that patients injected with microsphere-enhanced collagen, still reflect a natural appearance in both their overall facial appearance as well as in the area treated 5 years from their initial treatment. These patients were surveyed and had a 90% satisfaction rating related to their wrinkle correction and experience with Artefill.

Q: Why is a skin test required before treatment with Artefill?

A: The skin test is a safety precaution to ensure that you are not allergic to the collagen or anesthetic in Artefill.

Q: What process did Artefill go through before it was FDA approved?

A: Several clinical studies were conducted in the United States to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the microsphere dermal filler technology. The data from our clinical trials were subject to a full and open review in a public hearing by an FDA review panel. Artefill was approved by the FDA in October 2006.

Q: What is the long term safety of microsphere-enhanced collagen treatments?

A: A follow-up study of patients from the controlled clinical study were followed over a 5-year period after treatment. Independent expert observers rated photographs of patient wrinkles at five years compared to before treatment and six months after treatment. The physician investigators of this follow-up study concluded that the treatment safely maintains significant correction of smile lines for at least five (5) years post-treatment.

Q: Are there any current studies being conducted on Artefill?

A: Yes. A post-approval marketing study was initiated in October 2007 to evaluate the long term safety of Artefill. The study will follow 1,000 patients treated with Artefill for a period of five years.

Q: How many patients have been treated with the product?

A: To date, thousands of patients in the U.S. have been treated successfully with Artefill.

Q: I have heard some patients develop persistent lumps in their skin after treatment with Artefill, is this true?

A: Persistent lumps are a rare potential side effect of all dermal fillers, including Artefill, and can be treated effectively. 

Q: If I have had a negative collagen skin test previously, do I need to have another skin test with Artefill?

A: Yes, an Artefill skin test is required prior to treatment to make sure that you are not allergic to the collagen in Artefill.

Realself Patient Rating for Artefill

Starting Point To Learn What's Right For You

Not sure where to start? Give us a call and chat with our patient coordinator Michelle. Call the office at (949) 448-0487 or Request a callback through this online form.

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